40th National Day of Brunei Darussalam
Remarks
By J Ramos-Horta
At a function hosted
Ambassador Wan Hadfi Lutfan
Of Brunei Darussalam
In Dili, 22nd February 2024
Excellency Amb Wan Hadfi Lutfan
Excellencies
God's Peace, Mercy and Blessings be upon you all.
Thank you Ambassador Wan Hadfi Lutfan for bringing us here to celebrate the 40th National Day of Brunei Darussalam.
I am delighted to be here on this occasion and from here I extend to the esteemed His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, the Royal family, and the friendly people of Brunei my warmest greetings, utmost respects, wishes of wellbeing and long life.
Population-wise, Brunei Darussalam and Timor-Leste are the two smallest countries in Southeast Asia, facing challenges and opportunities. But these are common to most of the region and much of the world, challenges related to climate change and unstable weather patterns, highly infectious global pandemics, outbreak of armed conflicts, unmanaged global powers rivalries, some of which esclated into catastrophic wars as unseen in decades, and their impact on the global economy, causing catastrophic supply chain disruption and rising costs of basic commodities, etc.
An extremely worrying challenge is the global debt crisis...US$ 313 trillion in 2023 according the latest report of the Institute of International Finance (IIF). This represents 330% of global GDP, of which 55% are from developed markets. Timor-Leste debt is a mere 13% and none to commercial banks.
We, the International community, seem to be sleepwalking into another financial meltdown which could be far worse than any previous ones.
In the midst of the above-mentioned challenges opportunities may also arise, and we must know how to seize these opportunities for our benefit. Small economies must find ways to complement each other, to enhance our respective economies through joint investments and joint ventures and trade.
My State Visit to Brunei, between 5-8 November 2023, enabled me to personally thank His Majesty for His steadfast solidarity and support to Timor-Leste, ever since our most challenging times in 1999 leading up to the Restoration of Independence in 2002 and up to now. I was extremely well received by His Majesty, his Majesty's Government and all officials and individuals.
We had the opportunity to spend an extended time exchanging views on bilateral and multilateral matters.
Going back in time, I recall that in May 20th, 2002, the then Foreign Minister Bolkiah attended the Restoration of Independence celebrations and donated a cheque of USD$100,000.00 towards our independence festivities.
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in May 20th, 2002, relationship between our two countries anchored in solidarity, mutual respect and understanding continues to grow and consolidate. I envisage closer partnerships in the health sectors, air connectivity and food security.
The solidarity and friendship of Brunei Darussalam have been consistent ever since the establishment of its Embassy here in Dili, in 2015. This is a testament of the commitment of His Majesty and the Government of Brunei in further bringing our two countries and peoples closer.
In regards ASEAN, Timor-Leste is for ever grateful for the consistent support of the Government of Brunei to Timor-Leste's membership in this very important regional organisation. Not all are roses in our region. The war unfolding and escalating in Myanmar if unattended and quickly deescalate may spiral out of control. The five point consensus proposal to settle the Myanmar civil war is the only realistic and workable strategy on the table.
At these uncertain times, I praise His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, for His Majesty's decades-long wise and compassionate stewardship, firmly holding it as a true Abode of Peace, Harmony and Prosperity.
I extended an invitation for His Majesty to visit Timor-Leste. Needless to say I will adjust my domestic and international agenda to accommodate His Majesty's visit to Timor-Leste whenever this is possible for His Majesty. Likewise I am assured that Maun Bot Xanana will be equally delighted to adjust his calendar to welcome His Majesty.
In May this year, Timor-Leste and Brunei will celebrate 22 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Over the course of these 22 years our relationship has been growing and prospering steadily. It is the right time for the two countries to elevate its bilateral relationship through a “Strategic Partnership Agreement" covering a wide range of key areas. I vehemently hope that this agreement can be signed during the State Visit of His Majesty to Timor-Leste this year.
Finally, I avail myself of this opportunity to acknowledge and recognize Ambassador of Brunei to Timor-Leste, H. E. Ambassador Wan Hadfi Latif for your tireless efforts in working towards expanding and deepening our bilateral ties.
May God the Almighty and the most Merciful continue to bestow His blessings of bountiful wisdom and health to His Majesty and the People of Brunei Darussalam.
J Ramos-Horta
